Genoveva Lilles Cailao

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the peaceful passing of our much Beloved Mama, Genoveva Lilles Cailao, 93, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of the late Jose Aquilar Cailao, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Please join us to honor and celebrate this part of her journey as she finally goes home to heaven in the presence of God Almighty. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, April 27, 2023 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church 1695 Wallenberg Blvd Charleston, SC 29407 at 1:00 pm.  Prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell will be held in Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends and relatives Wednesday, April 26, 2023 in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. 

Gene was born January 3, 1930 in Boac, Marinduque Philippines, daughter of the late Sabino Lilles and the late Julia Mascarenas Lumagui.  She retired as a Chief Budget and Accounting Officer and Educator in Manila, Philippines. 

She is survived by son, Bernardino (the late Editha) of Manila, Philippines; four daughters, Patricia Clarissa Espiritu (Francisco)of Charleston, SC, Cristina Luisa Pangan (Eufracio) of Manila, Philippines, Leah Cena (Antonio Jr.) of Hamilton, Canada, and Jo Anna Garcia (the late Ariel) of Burlington, Canada; twelve grandchildren, Michael Joseph Espiritu, Michal Tala Cailao, Daniel Lakan Cailao, Timothy Joshua Pangan, Hannah Kristen Pangan, Patricia Ruth Cailao, Patrick John Cena (Arielle), Clarisse Jorielle Garcia Seidenberg (Tyler), Keren Leah Cena (Jeremy), Angela Marie Cena Fuentes (Jose), Sarah May Pangan, and Frances Julianne Garcia; eight great grandchildren, Olivia Grace Seidenberg, Sophia Ann Seidenberg, Hannah Mary Seidenberg, Genevieve Patricia Deboer, Ava Faustina Seidenberg, Luke Ariel Harold Seidenberg, Daniel Joseph Thomas Seidenberg, and forthcoming Kaia Brielle Cena; sister, Nora Lilles Mascarenas of Manila, Philippines and many loved nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by brother, Antonio Lilles.

We thank God for the gift and blessing of a loving Mom, Wife, Grandma, Great Grandma and Beautiful woman inside and out, the gift of her long life, the blessing and joy she brought not only to us but to all whose lives she has touched. She lived a life filled with purpose and meaning, a faith-filled life with kindness, compassion, generosity, with deep abiding love and service for God, family, community, and humanity.